If you want to start running, our imaginatively titled '50 Reasons to Join a Running Club' is sure to inspire you. Similarly, if you're not sure whether a running group is right for you, our guide will hopefully explain some of the main benefits of fitness clubs. If you think we've omitted an all-important reason to join a running club, then you're welcome to contact us. (from www.running-gadgets.com)

You can meet like-minded individuals.

You'll receive coaching and motivation from fellow runners.

You'll be running as a team, not on your own.

Running will become part of your weekly routine.

As runners will agree, forming a routine is integral to the development of your running skill. There's very little point in going out and buying the latest running shoes, only to find that six months later, you've only used them once. However, by making running part of your routine, it will become second nature to you.

You'll receive advice and guidance from other members.

More experienced runners will be able to coax you past 'the wall'.

Solo runners can testify that, when you're out on your own, it's very easy to plateau and think you can't go any faster, or run any further. However, more experienced runners are living proof that it's possible to get past the wall, and they can help get you past it.

You'll be able to help out other runners.

You can take part in races as a group.

Becoming part of a running club means that when it comes to race day, you could have several fellow runners and friends racing alongside you. Team spirit can be integral to an athlete's success, and racing with fellow club members really embodies this.

You can share your achievements with other members.

You could gain access to exclusive events and races.

You'll benefit from structured training.

Going out and attempting to run ten miles, when you've barely sprinted for a bus before is pretty foolish and could even put you off jogging. However, taking part in structured training and listening to your body are all keys to success with running.

The club leader will be able to advice you on matters related to running.

You'll meet a whole group of people who may also get a bit excited when you compare stats, times and even your latest gadgets.

You may be more likely to stick to running if you take part in a group activity.

You'll hear about the latest running events and news.

You'll have a ton of running buddies for Daily Mile or Nike+.

If you take part in online running communities like Daily Mile and Nike+. You might not immediately have a ton of buddies to befriend on the site. however, chances are your running club may have a few Daily Mile or Nike+ members.

You can always find a fellow member to go out and exercise with.

You'll learn about, and maybe even take part in, other sports.

You can always call a club member if you don't feel like running and they'll help motivate you.

You can chat and enjoy each other's company while running.

Sometimes, it's great to run solo, but it's always great to have extra company when you're training, and a running club offers just that.

You'll learn how other people manage their time & diet - and maybe even pick up a few tips.

You could even make friends for life.

You don't have to bore your other-half with running technique questions they don't know the answer to.

You'll get a wide range of product recommendations and honest advice.

While you can trust that Running Gadgets' reviews are written honestly, there are inevitably less scrupulous sites online. Not ever running gadget, shoe or even app is right for you, and the recommendations from fellow club members will help you sort the best from the worst.

You'll have fun.

You'll be introduced to a whole new social circle.

You'll get in shape.

You'll be able to structure your week around your running sessions.

Again, this really is important. By making running a habit and not a spur of the moment plan, you'll make it part of your weekly routine and probably be more likely to get out there and train.

You'll meet a ton of new people, who perhaps you wouldn't have met otherwise.

You'll feel more inspired to get out there and train.

Similarly, you'll be more likely to enter races, as you know you have a whole club backing you.

Your overall fitness level will improve - meaning you could become better at other sports.

If you smoke, you may be more inclined to quit smoking, as you'll finally realise your health is more important than a ton of nicotine and tar.

This is by no means a health recommendation and is purely my own subjective experience, but starting running genuinely helped me stop smoking. Training became more important to me than nicotine and I managed to cut down before quitting completely.

You'll be getting out there and seeing your local community/area.

You'll be able to discuss with others best practice, technique etc.

Fellow members can help you seek out physiotherapists, sports masseuses and even the best gyms.

They can even recommend the best running music and apps for your solo training.

The techniques and recommendations you receive from other running club members can easily be incorporated into your solo sessions, so you can improve even when you're not running as part of a group.

Sometimes, running clubs will publish your race results on their website, allowing you to show others how far you've come.

Runners in real life tend to be a lot nicer than the ones you sometimes come across in online forums!

It's pretty much a rule that some running forum members tend to be a lot more beastly online than how they act in real life. With a running club, you can usually ask more experienced runners questions without being swept away by a sea of sarcasm - and that's always nice!

If you perhaps don't know many people in the area, running clubs offer a great way of introducing yourself to local residents.

A good running club can really help you de-stress after a long day of work or study.

This is true for running in general, but after a day from hell there's really nothing better than leaving your problems behind you in a literal trail of dust.

You could receive correction on your running technique - and not have to rely on self-diagnosed issues.

You can tell the club leader what you're capable of and they can make adjustments to the training.

Beginners are more than welcome!

Running clubs are nearly always looking for new members, so don't be scared, get in touch with your local group today.

You'll be able to try out a variety of local routes and even incorporate them into your own training.

You won't feel like your climbing a mountain alone: other runners will be huffing and puffing along with you.

You'll be spending more time outdoors and less time cooped up in the gym.

If you're just training on a treadmill you may feel your interest in running starting to wane. However, getting outdoors and running can really kick-start your interest in the sport again.

You'll be able to progress along with other fellow runners and look back together on your achievements.

At the end of a long running session, you can complain/praise/chat right away, without having to return home or call a friend first.

Finally, there's really no substitute for knowing you're all in it together.

You'll meet people at various stages in their running life - and realise you don't have to be the next Usain Bolt to really enjoy running! It can be disheartening when you see people bragging online about their speed. Joining a running club means you'll meet runners at various skill levels and you'll no doubt come to realise you can still be a great runner without having to worry about challenging world records.